All systems are a go as top-class golfing action hits East London this week when the Africa Open Golf Championship returns, bringing some of the best golfers from around the world to the city.
The East London Golf Club, which has hosted the prestigious event for the past six years, is ready to hold a successful seventh showing of the Africa Open in the city.
“We are good to go,” said East London Golf Club manager Brenden Fourie.
“It is just a case of putting the finer touches here and there, but if they told us they wanted to get under way and play on the course tomorrow (Tuesday) we would be ready.
“We don’t have many visitors over the year, so to have these guys down here, hearing how they rave about the course is always a feel good moment,” said Fourie.
The golfing action gets under way today with the annual Africa Open Pro-Am, before the big guns kick off four days of golfing action on Thursday.
“The course is in the best condition it has ever been in,” said Fourie.
“The weather looks as though it is going to play its part with a bit of wind forecast for a few days, so hopefully we will see some good golf out there.”
Arguably the biggest draw card to the event could be the return of Northern Irish Major winner Darren Clarke.
Adding to the interest in Clarke will be his recent appointment as European Ryder Cup captain.
England’s Andy Sullivan comes into the event in fine form having won this past weekend’s Joburg Open.
“It is always nice to see these players who have been there and done it on the big stage and to have them here showing off their skills,” said Fourie.
Seen warming up and enjoying the course yesterday was South African Shaun Norris who won the first Africa Open event back in 2008.
By virtue of that win, Norris received a lifetime exemption to the tournament.
Building blocks all in place for Africa Open
The East London Golf Club, which has hosted the prestigious event for the past six years, is ready to hold a successful seventh showing of the Africa Open in the city.
“We are good to go,” said East London Golf Club manager Brenden Fourie.
“It is just a case of putting the finer touches here and there, but if they told us they wanted to get under way and play on the course tomorrow (Tuesday) we would be ready.
“We don’t have many visitors over the year, so to have these guys down here, hearing how they rave about the course is always a feel good moment,” said Fourie.
The golfing action gets under way today with the annual Africa Open Pro-Am, before the big guns kick off four days of golfing action on Thursday.
“The course is in the best condition it has ever been in,” said Fourie.
“The weather looks as though it is going to play its part with a bit of wind forecast for a few days, so hopefully we will see some good golf out there.”
Arguably the biggest draw card to the event could be the return of Northern Irish Major winner Darren Clarke.
Adding to the interest in Clarke will be his recent appointment as European Ryder Cup captain.
England’s Andy Sullivan comes into the event in fine form having won this past weekend’s Joburg Open.
“It is always nice to see these players who have been there and done it on the big stage and to have them here showing off their skills,” said Fourie.
Seen warming up and enjoying the course yesterday was South African Shaun Norris who won the first Africa Open event back in 2008.
By virtue of that win, Norris received a lifetime exemption to the tournament.
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